Realta Rathcabhain, left, lands over the last in front of Claiming Benefits© Photo Healy Racing
Des McDonogh took the training plaudits at Limerick as he brought Realta Rathcabhain back to the track after an absence of 748 days to win the two mile three handicap hurdle.
The 11-year-old gelding was only having his 18th career start this evening and it yielded his first victory in the trainer's wife's colours.
Jockey Danny Mullins had him in fifth as front-runner Ballymackrory came back to the field at the fourth last.
A good jump at the third last took him on terms with Millstream Ned with Pairc Na Leasa tracking them in third.
Realta Rathcabhain was going best coming to the second-last. Once he negotiated that obstacle Mullins asked for more and went for the whip as Claiming Benefits loomed large on his outer.
On the run-in it was a driving finish to the line but Claiming Benefits (22/1) couldn't reel in the winner and went down by a length and a quarter.
"It was a long wait and he has a very patient owner!" joked Des McDonogh.
"He had a few little problems and we gave him as much time as he wanted. He did it well and Danny was pleased with him.
"It's nice to get one in my home town. I haven't had a winner at the new track before." Rebel Cry at 7/1 and Millstream Ned (16/1) rounded out the placings in third and fourth respectively.
There was a significant on-course gamble on Farriers Gold from 10/3 to 2/1 favourite.
However, he could make no impression at the business end in coming home fifth. He had been 9/2 in the morning.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
